Delectable Pastries
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh seafood and lush mountainscapes. But speckled throughout its cities and destinations, you’ll also find baked delectables that’ll make you want to ooh and aah.
Holly B’s on Lopez Island
On an island known for its slow pace, there’s no more delicious way to pass the time than sinking your teeth into a butter-baked treat. For 43 years, Holly B’s small kitchen has turned out a selection of pastries and breads that have developed a cult-like following among locals and tourists alike. While Stephanie and Rory Smith bought the business in 2016 when they moved to Lopez, the island-owned and operated shop remains true to its “love and butter” ethos. Today, you’ll find the same butterhorns and cinnamon rolls that have been popular since the shop opened. But, you’ll also be treated to some new selections inspired by Stephanie’s travels, like her savory rolls loaded with spinach, onions, mushrooms, Kalamata olives, and feta!
Brown Bear Baking on Orcas Island
Taking an age-old advertisement approach, Brown Bear Baking frequently perfumes the southern edge of Eastsound with its buttery kouign-amanns and gooey sticky buns. But the proof is in the treat and these treats have been delivering since the local shop opened in 2013. Lines are frequently longer than you’d expect on an island and the daily selection is known to quickly dwindle, but as long as there’s something left in the case, it’s hard to go wrong. From the orange-scented morning buns and peach croissants to caramelized banana bread and salmon quiche, you’ll want to come hungry.
Fol Epi in Victoria
Known for its wild-yeast breads and wood-fired brick oven, this Victoria BC favorite opened its Dockside location in 2009. Its commitment to farm-to-table cuisine is so deep it maintains two silos where Red Fife wheat—bought directly from Saskatchewan farmers—is stored. Thanks to its wild popularity, it opened a second location in 2015. At the front you’ll find the expected breads and pastries and at the back is Agrius, the contemporary dinner hot spot known for its seasonally-inspired menu.
Café Demeter on San Juan Island
If it wasn’t for the steady stream of patrons, you might miss Café Demeter. The humble bakery is housed in one of Friday Harbor’s historic homes. Built in the 1920s, the small kitchen turns out an impressive selection of baked treats — including twice-baked almond croissants, seasonal Danish, and daily pizza specials.
Bakery Sate in Vancouver
Check the artificial flavorings at the door. Head Pastry Chef and Owner, Eric Ho’s all-natural menu is crafted in the traditional fresh style at Bakery State. Each drool-worthy pastry, cookie, and individually-sized cake is made fresh daily. Best known for its selection of croissants, you’ll find the expected characters like Butter and Chocolate nestled next to untraditional bedfellows, like Coconut and Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding.
Coyles Bakeshop
Tucked in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, Rachel Coyle’s Instagram-worthy bakery is a sweet-treat watering hole that attracts crowds from throughout the city. But one bite of a Coyle creation and you’ll quickly attempt to sample the entire daily spread. Which, thanks to her many ‘mini’ variations, like her mini cardamom kouign amann, you may have room for a few! Formerly the pastry chef for notable Seattle-renowned restaurants like The Herbfarm and Le Pichet, the shop opened in 2015. The menu has expanded over the years, now including sandwiches, salads, and soups. But really, it’s the pastries—the seasonal fruit galettes, luscious bundt cakes, and millionaire shortbread that steal—the show.
